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Genetic engineering

Polymerase chain reaction

PCR is a series of temperature-controlled reactions which enable us to amplify a very tiny sample of DNA, producing enough material for it to be analysed or used in DNA profiling.

Genetic engineering

Genetic engineering involves changing the DNA of an organism, usually by deleting, inserting or editing a gene to produce desired characteristics.

Biotechnology

The use of biological organisms or enzymes to create, break down or transform a material.

Stem cell

Cells which can divide repeatedly without becoming differentiated and have the capacity to develop into a diverse range of specialised cell types.

Glossary

A list of often difficult or specialised words with their definitions.

Gene

A short piece of DNA which is responsible for the inheritance of a particular characteristic. It codes for the production of a specific protein. Genes occupy a fixed position, called a locus, on a particular DNA molecule.

Genetic engineering

This resource will help you to:

understand the science behind gene transfer

think about the implications of our newly-acquired ability to move genes from one living thing to another

and grapple with the issues involved in producing medical treatments from genetic engineering.

To order a free set of ABPI schools posters on the following topics: biotechnology, cloning, genetic engineering, unravelling the genome, polymerase chain reaction and stem cells, please fill in our order form.

How to use this site

There are a number of interactive features in this e-source:

A glossary of terms: any word with a glossary entry is highlighted like this. Moving the mouse over the highlighted word will show a definition of that word.

Quick questions: at the end of most pages or sections there is a question or set of quick questions to test your understanding.

Animations: most of the animations can be expanded to full screen size, ideal for showing on an interactive whiteboard. The animations will play all the way through or can be viewed one section at a time.

Downloads: Teachers can download individual diagrams, animations and other content from the Download Library area of the website. Terms and Conditions apply.